Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

Srinagar, June 22 (KNO) : Governor Satya Pal Malik on Saturday triggered a political storm across Kashmir by stating that the Hurriyat leaders’ who once kept their doors closed for the leaders from Delhi offering dialogue, are now open for talks. He also hailed the recent statement of Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the growing drug abuse in Kashmir and the need for rooting out the menace to save future generations.
“Today situation is altogether different. When Ram Vilas Paswan knocked the doors of Hurriyat leaders to offer dialogue, they (leaders) kept their doors closed. Today, Hurriyat is ready for dialogue, ready to talk,” Governor Malik said addressing a gathering at the SKICC on the banks of famous Dal Lake. He was speaking at a function organized by the Prasar Bharti to launch DD free DTH.
Accordion to KNO correspondent, Governor while announcing that Hurriyat was ready for dialogue has triggered a political storm across Kashmir and his announcement has already hinted that track-two dialogue was perhaps going on with the separatists. The Governor, however, didn’t elaborate on whether Centre has initiated a back-channel dialogue with the Hurriyat.
About the militancy, he said whenever a Kashmiri youth dies, he doesn’t feel happy. “But whenever a fire is fired at the forces, the militant shouldn’t expect garlands or bouquets. The youth who have guns in their hands are misled that if they die the will go to heaven. Fact remains that if they return to their homes, they will get two paradises— Kashmir which is a known paradise on earth and the paradise here after (once they die natural death),” Governor said, according to the KNO correspondent present in the function.
He as per KNO correspondent said ever since he took over the reins of the state, there has been a tremendous improvement in the situation. “Local militant recruitment is down, protests after Friday prayers are down and overall law and order situation has shown a great improvement,” Governor said.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir has a great potential to be the model state of the country. “There is a great communal harmony in here. People here, especially the younger generation has to be appreciated and their issues addressed on time. If we put an end to their anger and grievances, then the situation will improve a large extent and peace would prevail,” he said.
The Governor also hailed Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for raising the serious issue of drug menace and a need to tackle it so that the young generation saved. “I am happy to see Mirwaiz talking about these issues,” Governor said.(KNO)